The Central Role of Collaboration in today’s schools Linda Blanton Professor Emerita, Florida International University Staff, CEEDAR Center

INTRODUCTIONS

Purpose of Session This session focuses on collaboration both as a core component of High Leverage Practices (HLPs) and as an essential practice embedded in Georgia’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. Examples will be used to show how (a) HLPs are being integrated in educator preparation programs and PK-12 schools, and (b) the ways that collaboration in schools supports an effective MTSS framework.

COLLABORATION: HIGH LEVERAGE PRACTICE Collaboration is one of four key areas in the Council for Exceptional Children’s HLPs for Special Education (pull out one-pager in packet) HLP1: Collaborate with professionals to increase student success HLP 2: Organize and facilitate effective meetings with professionals & families HLP 3: Collaborate with families to support student learning and secure needed services

COLLABORATION: HIGH LEVERAGE PRACTICE Comparison of Special Education HLPs to HLPs for all Teachers: Teaching Works (19) (pull out Crosswalk in packet) Collaboration not listed specifically Review connections in Crosswalk A Little History to Consider The Research Base for HLPs

SPE HIGH LEVERAGE PRACTICE #1: Collaborate with professionals to increase student success Who? How? Research on: Existence of collaboration = student outcomes Specific collaborative structures (co-teaching; teaming) Components of collaboration (communication; trust)

SPE HIGH LEVERAGE PRACTICE #2 Organize and facilitate effective meetings with professionals & families What Meetings? With Whom? Research on: Effective meetings (meeting goals; agenda; expectations; active listening; genuine communication) Partnership approach (satisfaction)

SPE HIGH LEVERAGE PRACTICE #3 Collaborate with families to support student learning and secure needed services Consider background, culture, socioeconomic status, language, family priorities, among others Research on: Principles have emerged from research that focus on Creating trusting partnerships through communication Professional competence Respect, commitment, equality, and advocacy

Questions and Discussion What is your confidence level in understanding HLPs and how Collaboration fits in as an HLP? What are your own experiences with Collaboration HLPs? Can you give some examples? As faculty in teacher preparation, which HLPs do you teach now? What more should you be doing? As faculty and administrators in schools, which HLPs do you use regularly? What more should you be doint?

CONNECTIONS TO GEORGIA’S MTSS FRAMEWORK Collaboration is an Essential Belief Components: Leadership, Effective Teaming, Data- Based Decision Making, Academic and Behavioral Supports, Data-Based Problem-Solving, Professional Capacity, Families and Communities What is the Connection to HLPs?

Discussion and Conclusion Contact Information: blantonlp@gmail.com